Insights to the SPJIMR PGDM: In Conversation with Mr. Ramessh Misshra (Director of Marketing and Admissions)

S P Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) was established in 1981 in Mumbai. As per the NIRF 2024 Ranking, SPJIMR Mumbai is ranked 20th in the 'Management' category. SPJIMR Mumbai courses include PGDM, PGDM Business Management, PGPM, GMP, PGMPW and more. Insights to the SPJIMR PGDM In Conversation with Mr. Ramessh Misshra (Director of Marketing and Admissions) For more details regarding the SPJIMR admissions, unique features, scholarships, and placements, go through the complete article.

Careers360: Why students will opt for SPJIMR PGDM? What are the key USPs of this programme?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: SPJIMR is part of the Bharati Vidyabhan Trust, which was founded in 1938. It was established as a management college in 1981 and was affiliated with a university until 1991. In 1992, SPJIMR became an independent B-School, approved by AICTE, and began offering the PGDM programme.

In the past two years, SPJIMR was ranked No. 1 among the B-Schools in India according to the Financial Times rankings and is ranked 35th globally. Some of the key factors that contribute to its high ranking include the 2-year full-time residential PGDM programme, which offers various modules. The college also provides students with exposure to rural India through visits to rural areas. Additionally, SPJIMR offers the Global Fast Track (GFT) programme for international exposure. SPJIMR Mumbai summer internship includes a unique module called "Socially Sensitive Global Business Leader," which sets SPJIMR's PGDM programme apart.

Careers360: SPJIMR discusses a holistic approach to leadership development and an innovative blend of classroom learning with thoughtfully curated immersive experiences. Please give insights.

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: In this programmes, students will be visiting very very remote areas where they might not have any electricity connection. So, the problem they face in the remote areas and what kind of management concepts can be applied, where students can solve real-life problems rather than industry problems in this way students can also solve some kind of social problems as well.

When it comes to industrial exposure, students of SPJIMR get a lot of internships in live projects; many a time these live projects may be converted into the pre-placement offer also. Further, students can participate in global immersion at international universities where SPJIMR has partnerships with prestigious universities such as Michigan State University and Cornell, where they will complete specific modules.

Careers360: From a student perspective, what is the outcome of the PGDM programme?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: SPJIMR not only nurtures or produces business leaders for corporate, but also produces socially sensitive global business leaders for corporates.

Careers360: Is shortlisting for this course simply based on CAT and GMAT scores? Or there is more to this. Kindly explain.

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: SPJIMR accepts both CAT and GMAT scores. Current year CAT scores and the last 3 years GMAT scores are accepted.

Careers360: The selection process mentions sorting candidates into two groups: Profile-based and Profile-cum-Score-based. Please elaborate.

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: There are two types of shortlisting criteria: one is profile-based and includes academic background (marks from 10th, 12th, and graduation). While the other focuses on work experience and achievements in extracurricular activities are also given weight. The Profile-cum-Score-based shortlisting will be conducted after the CAT results are released.

Careers360: Work experience is one key parameter for selection. Wouldn’t this put freshers at a disadvantage or is there a ratio for the non-experienced and experienced applicants?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: Candidates with up to five years of work experience can apply alongside freshers. SPJIMR does not have a separate quota for candidates with work experience. The selection process is entirely merit-based, with no reservation for experienced candidates.

Careers360: Shortlisted candidates are usually called for an interview in January and February. What does SPJIMR assess and look for in candidates?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: SPJIMR conducts two rounds of interviews. Round 1 focuses on a technical assessment tailored to the candidate's preferences and the expertise of the panel members. Round 2 evaluates the psychological aspect, where the assessment of the candidate's personality and understanding is done. Both rounds are conducted on the same day.

Careers360: When should applicants indicate their specialisations? How does the process work?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: Students are required to select their specialisations at the time of application. While there is an option to switch streams later, the first year is designed as a general curriculum, and the second year focuses on specialisation. Students should finalise their choice early, as changing specialisations later may not be ideal.

Careers360: How is the programme structure designed? Can you please describe that?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: The programme is two years long. In the first year, students will explore various specialisations, followed by summer internships. The second year focuses on specialisation, with final placements starting in the third semester. By the end of the fourth semester, all final placements will be completed.

SPJIMR has an ADMAPE committee, which oversees various functional areas such as communications and administration. Additionally, the institute has an Index, which facilitates international exchange opportunities for students.

Careers360: Can students pick up other specialisation electives in addition to their focus specialisation areas?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: Electives are an integral part of the curriculum, and students can choose them based on the options available to them. However, these electives are not open to all specialisations. For example, the marketing specialisation offers a specific set of electives which are specific to that field.

Careers360: How are the new trending management specialisations incorporated into the curriculum? For example, business/ data analytics, AI, ML etc are now the more popular areas students look for.

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: SPJIMR does not have separate specialisations, but instead, it incorporates specialised topics into modules within the curriculum. These topics are covered in each special edition as part of the overall curriculum.

Careers360: What are Global Fast Track (GFT) and International Exchange (INTEX)?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: The GFT (Global Fast Track) programme was a mandatory three-week programme till date for all students. However, starting this year, SPJIMR has made it optional for students. As for the INTEX International Exchange programme, students have the opportunity to learn specific modules at SPJIMR and engage in cultural events, depending on their chosen activities. Similarly, the exchange experience is reciprocal, with students from partner institutions participating in similar events.

Careers360: What about the fees incurred for these? Please give details

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: The fee for the PGDM and PGDM (BM) programmes for Indian students is Rs 22.5 lakhs for 2 years. This amount covers the tuition fee and basic hostel/accommodation charges. Please note that this fee is provisional and may be subject to change. SPJIMR course fee does not include the expenses associated with the GFT programme.

Careers360 Which are the partner institutes for the exchange programmes?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: SPJIMR’s partner B-schools include Michigan State University (Broad College of Business), Cornell University (Johnson Graduate School of Management at the SC Johnson College of Business), Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper School of Business), and schools in Europe and Asia.

Careers360 Who can apply for the Merit cum means-based financial assistance?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: Students from various backgrounds can apply for scholarships in July. SPJIMR provides scholarships worth Rs 2 crores every year in the form of merit cum-mean-based scholarships. The Mirae Asset Foundation (MAF), a charitable organisation focused on educational development in India, provides the MAF Scholarship. This scholarship is for meritorious students in the PGDM programme with a family income under Rs 8 lakhs.

Every year, two participants from PGDM, first year and second year, are awarded scholarships of Rs 5 lakhs each. Each year, two students from the first and second years receive Rs 5 lakhs each. These recipients are known as Mirae Asset Scholars. Detailed guidelines are shared after the programme begins. SPJIMR scholarship is awarded as a stipend, not a fee waiver.

Careers360 Practical and hands-on experience is one of the key features of any management programme. Elaborate on how this is incorporated at SPJIMR.

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: SPJIMR integrates industry-relevant changes into its curriculum in the form of case studies.

Careers360: What are the other key benefits for students of the SPJIMR PGDM programme?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: The key factor in selecting a B-school is placement, and SPJIMR ranks among the top five in India. However, SPJIMR's average salary package stood at Rs 33 LPA.

Careers360 Kindly elaborate on the past placement statistics, top recruiters, packages and roles that students get.

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: SPJIMR placements saw the highest and average package of Rs 81 LPA and Rs 33 LPA, respectively, in a batch intake of 30 to 60 students. Some of the recruiters who visited the SPJIMR are Deloitte, Amazon, and more.

Careers360 Alumni are strength factors for any good institute. How do alumni contribute to their alma mater here?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: SPJIMR has a network of around 15,000 alumni who offer support throughout a student’s journey, from admissions to placements. Additionally, there is a WhatsApp group that continues even after placements, where job opportunities are shared.

Careers360 Any advice or message to prospective students?

Mr. Ramessh Misshra: The SPJIMR application process is unique, so take time to carefully think through your answers and explain yourself as clearly as possible. Complete the application in a thorough and organised way, providing detailed responses. Even if you're a fresher, make sure to apply. Try to submit your application at least two days before the CAT exam, by November 22, 2024.

About leader in Education Management

Mr. Ramessh Misshra, a seasoned leader in education management, spearheading marketing and outreach at SPJIMR. With over 17 years of strategic expertise, he has held transformative roles at prestigious institutions such as O.P. Jindal Global University, NMIMS, TIME Institute, and Malayala Manorama Media, Known for crafting innovative marketing and brand strategies, Mr. Ramessh has consistently driven growth and institutional visibility.

A visionary in creating innovative programmes, he has pioneered national-level hackathons and launched signature initiatives such as the SPJIMR Connect Series and JGU Destination. His unwavering passion for mentoring students-guiding them through entrance exams, interviews, and their journeys to top B-schools sets him apart as a leader committed to shaping the future of education.